Tennis: He makes a big request for the Nadal-Djokovic duel
Published on March 12, 2023 at 4:35 p.m.
Rivals, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been for a long time. If the Spaniard has been struggling since last year due to several injuries, it’s quite the opposite for the Serb, who seems to be on top again in 2023. For the beauty of the story, Mats Wilander would like to see both players with the same number of Grand Slam titles once retired.
It’s one of the greatest rivalries in modern sports history. Rafael Nadal et Novak Djokovicare with the Swiss Roger Federer, considered the greatest players in the history of tennis. But the Spaniard and the Serb, in addition to being rivals, are now vying for a historic record: that of the number of Grand Slam titles. By winning the 2023 edition of the‘The Australian Open, Djokovic joined the 22 titles of Nadaland the tournament of Roland-Garros what Rafa has already won 14 times, could well be decisive in the minds of the two champions believes Mats Wilander.
“I would be happy”, Mats Wilander likes to see Nadal and Djokovic tied
Now consultant for Eurosportthe former Swedish champion, winner of 7 Grand Slams, spoke about the record of titles in major tournaments, which will probably continue to be disputed by Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. “We can’t imagine how Nadal or Djokovic feel about being tied with 22 Grand Slams. Novak is now more relaxed after winning in Australia and equaling Nadal. If they both finish tied with 22 titles, I’ll be glad. I think we don’t want any of them to win 25 or 26 Grand Slams.”declares Mats Wilander.
Djokovic can “doubt”, if Nadal wins Roland-Garros, says Wilander
The latter continues, evoking the possibility of seeing the Spaniard win a 15th title at Roland-Garroswhich could significantly affect Novak Djokovic. “If Nadal got a 23rd Grand Slam title at Roland‐Garros, maybe Nole’s doubts would come back and we would wonder if he is capable of beating youngsters like Alcaraz”.
